Hershey Felder Presents Joe Alterman Live!
view options Hershey Felder Presents Joe Alterman, Live in Story & Song --A Filmed Performance Produced and Directed by Hershey Felder Please note: This performance will be filmed live for a forthcoming documentary about Joe Alterman.
Step into an unforgettable evening of soul-stirring music and deeply personal storytelling with acclaimed jazz pianist Joe Alterman. In Story & Song with Joe Alterman, the Atlanta-born pianist, composer, writer, and cultural curator invites audiences into the heart of his journey—one that bridges generations, genres, and inner worlds.
Praised by legends like Ahmad Jamal, Les McCann, and Ramsey Lewis, Alterman has been called “an inspiration,” “a giant,” and “a joy to behold.” Whether leading his trio or at the keys solo, his music radiates an exuberance, groove, and swing that moves listeners—body and soul. As Monty Alexander puts it, “Joe Alterman is doing his part to keep alive the art of the swinging trio,” while George Benson captured it best: “You play good and you sound good, and there’s a difference.”
But the story goes deeper.
In this special concert, Alterman doesn’t just play music—he shares the stories behind it. From his early days battling OCD to finding strength in unexpected places (including an encouraging email from the legendary Sonny Rollins)… from opening for Dick Gregory at the Kennedy Center to connecting deeply with his musical heroes and Jewish roots… Alterman draws a vivid map of a life shaped by struggle, humor, swing, and soulful reflection. As Dick Cavett noted, “He fills a room with joy.” And in this case, he fills it with meaning, too.
Through beloved standards, original compositions, and heartfelt anecdotes, Alterman brings to life the music and messages that helped him grow from an anxious teen into a joyful artist. He shares how the very thing that once held him back—OCD—became his most powerful teacher. “People often say I sound like an old man who’s been around a while,” he says. “If there’s any ‘feeling’ in my music, I credit it to those darkest days.”
As the Executive Director of Neranenah, Alterman has spent years curating experiences that highlight the Jewish contribution to music and culture. Now, with Songs and Stories, he turns inward to share how those same roots shaped his musical identity. You'll hear about his connection to icons like Wynton Marsalis, his tribute album to Les McCann, his experience playing Ramsey Lewis’ piano, and his contribution to President Jimmy Carter’s Grammy-winning album.
Blending the intimacy of a confessional with the power of a swinging trio, this one-of-a-kind event promises an evening of laughter, insight, groove, and uplift.
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date
Hershey Felder Presents Joe Alterman Live!
Thursday, 05.22.2025 - 05.22.2025 (1 session)
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time
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
location MJCCA Zaban Park | fee Member: $13, Community: $18 | age 18 - 100 Years | code #57516 | Buy Tickets |
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